Third annual observance of Religious Life Sunday, 3rd Sunday of Epiphany, January 26, 2025
Meeting of CAROA and NAECC leaders.
Third annual observance of Religious Life Sunday, 3rd Sunday of Epiphany, January 26, 2025
Contact: Religiouslifesunday@gmail.com
The General Convention of The Episcopal Church approved resolution 2022-B004, “Foundation of Religious Life Sunday,” to be commemorated each year on the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. The purpose of this observance is to share information about vowed religious orders and Christian communities, their residential and dispersed ways of life, and what resources and support they have to offer to all Episcopalians.
What are the similarities and differences between religious orders and Christian communities?
Members of religious orders live in community with each other, give up all their possessions under a vow of poverty, and are celibate. Others may affiliate with a religious order as an associate or oblate. Title III, Canon 14, section 1: “A religious order of this church is a society of Christians (in communion with the See of Canterbury) who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or a term of years, to holding their possessions in common or in trust; to a celibate life in community; and obedience to their Rule and Constitution.” Learn more and for links to individual orders: https://caroa.net
Members of Christian communities live in their own homes, either alone or with their families, and work to support themselves. Those members of Christian communities who take a vow of poverty may interpret this vow as simplicity and well-discerned use of resources but do not give away all their possessions. Some take a vow of chastity, but choose whether to be celibate. Title III, Canon 14, section 2: “A Christian community of this church is a society of Christians (in communion with the See of Canterbury) who voluntarily commit themselves for life, or a term of years, in obedience to their Rule and Constitution.” Learn more and for links to individual communities: https://naecc.net
The website for Religious Life Sunday, https://religiouslifesunday.net includes videos, a list of speakers, and other resources to help Episcopalians and others connect with religious communities and to join in the celebration of Religious Life Sunday. Videos include comparisons of religious orders and Christian communities and a link to register for a live Zoom conversation on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 4:00 pm ET.
We believe that religious life has something for everyone in The Episcopal Church! Our religious orders and Christian communities offer spiritual companionship to deepen relationship with God and to center our lives in Christ.